Federal Bureau of Investigation Executive Order (As Amended) Declassification Plan Presentation to the Public Interest Declassification Board November 13, 2006 David M. Hardy Chief, Records/Information Dissemination Section
Some Background…. FBI file series classifications are largely identified with a type of investigation. FBI Declassification Plan
Some Background…. The FBI does not make public the names of file series classifications that are associated with the National Foreign Intelligence Program. FBI Declassification Plan
Some History… Memorandum of Understanding between ISOO and FBI stated, “that two of these systems, The Central Records System, …, and the Electronic Surveillance Indices, …, are exempt file series from the automatic declassification provisions of the new Executive Order.” FBI Declassification Plan
Some History…. The 1995 MOU further stated, “… to accomplish the goal of the Executive Order of declassification and release of as much information as possible without compromising national security, the FBI will establish an additional unit or team which will be responsible for the systematic review and declassification of information which is determined to be of historical interest;…” FBI Declassification Plan
Some History…. FBI Declassification Plan Historic Declassification Unit (CU3)- 32 employees CU3 conducted systematic review of ~250,000 pages per year prior to their transfer to NARA.
Some History…. In 2005 it was determined that the 1995 MOU was no longer valid under EO as amended. FBI Declassification Plan
Overview of the Plan Exempt sensitive national security file series classifications (3.3(c)). Declassify all other file series classifications (3.3 (a)). Conduct 3.3(b) declassification reviews on exempt series prior to their automatic declassification. FBI Declassification Plan
Methodology- Exempted Series 3.3(c) Identify sensitive national security file series classifications. Identify sensitive national security file series classifications over 25 years old. Determine volume of 25+ years old files. Conduct statistical analysis of sensitivity.
Methodology- Exempted Series 3.3(c) Proposed Declassification Dates/# of series/volume + 10 Years- 3 Series Million Pages +15 Years- 10 Series- 40 Million Pages +20 Years- 2 Series- 9.5 Million Pages FBI Declassification Plan
Methodology- All Other Series 3.3(a) Identify all other file series classifications over 25 years old Determine volume of 25+ years old files (270 Million Pages) FBI Declassification Plan
Methodology- Exception 3 sensitive national security file series classifications with low volume were not submitted for exemption. Conducting (completed) 3.3(b) review. FBI Declassification Plan
Implementation- All Other Series 3.3(a) Non-exempt file series classifications over 25 years of age will be declassified on December 31, They will not receive systematic declassification review prior to accession to NARA or during FOIA review. FBI Declassification Plan
Implementation- Exception Series#66- General Administrative Matters Series#67e- Special Agent Personnel Records Low volume of sensitive national security information Potential for highly sensitive information Solution: Systematic Review FBI Declassification Plan
Annual Program Requirements 1. Identify sensitive national security file series classifications turning 25 years old - submit exemption request. 2. Identify all other series turning 25 years old. 3. Identify files turning 25 years old in exempt series. 4. Conduct 3.3(b) reviews for exempt series. FBI Declassification Plan
Annual Program Requirements Incoming Referrals- Review to determine if exempt series by file # or corresponding subject area. Outgoing referrals- Will be referred to OGA regardless of file series classification. Special media- Contained within individual files FBI Declassification Plan
2007 Planning Requirements 32 employees to conduct reviews Process Improvements Study FBI Declassification Plan
Beyond 2007 Use of IT is required to complete 3.3(b) reviews prior to automatic declassification! FBI Declassification Plan